Warner Records has formed a strategic partnership with notable hip-hop figure and head of R&B, Tim Hinshaw.
This collaboration signifies the expansion of Hinshaw’s Free Dining Agency – a creative and travel company – into the music label sector, heralding the launch of Free Dining Records.
Collaboration Benefits for Artists
According to the official announcement made today (February 19), this partnership allows Warner Records artists to access “Extensive Creative, Tour, and Synchronization of Free Lunch.”
As part of this initiative, esteemed A&R leader Erica Coolter has been appointed general manager of Free Lunch Records, alongside her role as SVP, A&R at Warner Records.
In 2024, Hinshaw will partner with AEG for the concert The Pop Out 0 Ken & Friends, taking place in June at the KIA Forum in Los Angeles.
Most recently, he spent five years at Amazon Music as the Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, where he directed industry strategy and partnerships across genres, including the flagship global brand rotation.
In 2022, Hinshaw launched exclusive projects for Amazon Music and Amazon Prime Video.
He also led negotiations for Amazon Music Live, a concert series aired live on Twitch and Prime Video, featuring artists such as Lil Baby, A$AP Rocky, and 21 Savage.
Additionally, he secured deals with Amazon Music for broadcasts, including Tyler, the Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost Live concert in Los Angeles, J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival, and Summer Walker’s Homecoming Show in Atlanta during Black History Month.
Before his tenure at Amazon Music, Hinshaw established the music division at Fender Guitars and worked in music marketing at Vans.
He began his career in the music department of his brother, superstar author Charles, Prince Charles Hinshaw, leading to a joint venture agreement with Island, Def Jam, and the global publishing agreement with Rondor/Universal Music.
“Tim is immersed in the vast culture of hip-hop and R&B, spanning music, sports, fashion, and live entertainment, and together we will work toward our common goal of showcasing the best and brightest in the genre.”
Aaron Bay-Schuck, Warner Records
Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-chair and general manager of Warner Records, stated: “Tom (Corson) and I are excited to welcome Tim and his Free Lunch team to the label.
“His experience extends beyond talent discovery and development—he understands how to ensure his artists have influence.”
Bayschuck noted: “From the beginning of our discussions, it was clear that bringing Tim and Free Lunch into the Warner family would create the perfect synergy.
“Tim is deeply connected to the rich culture of hip-hop and R&B across music, sports, fashion, and live entertainment, and together we aim to spotlight the top talents in this genre.”
“By uniting Free Dining Agency with Warner Records, we can combine our expertise in creativity, music, and branding to elevate the top-tier compositions.”
Tim Hinshaw
Tim Hinshaw added: “By merging Free Lunch Agency with Warner Records, we can integrate our collective experiences in creativity, music, and brand development to elevate world-class artistry.
“The work that Aaron and Tom have built is truly impressive, and together we will amplify artists’ stories to connect even deeper with fans across the globe.”
Free Lunch Records is launching with its first two signings: Sid and Alex Isley.
Sid first gained recognition as part of the Los Angeles group The Internet and the Odd Future Collective. In 2016, she received her first Grammy nomination for The Internet’s ego death.
As a solo artist, she has released Fin (2017) and Broken Hearts Club (2022).
At the same time, Warner Records noted that she “stands out as a versatile artist, equally comfortable on a track with Zayn, as well as featured on certified platinum artist Lil Uzi Vert’s Eternal Atake, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200.”
Sid co-wrote and produced Plastic Off the Sofa from Beyoncé’s blockbuster album.
Meanwhile, two-time Grammy nominee Alex Isley is the daughter of legendary musician Ernie Isley and is acknowledged by Warner Records as an artist “honoring her family’s legacy while paving her path in beautiful, heartfelt R&B.”
Her discography since 2012 includes the 2023 album with Terrace Martin, I Left My Heart in Lader, and collaborations with Masego, Tank, and Rapsody.
Lucas focuses on the interaction between music and society. He specializes in how music influences and reflects cultures, analyzing the role of sound in social, political, and cultural events around the world.
